By Natalie Kim

DIAMOND BAR – The Nov. 17 Diamond Bar City Council meeting began by presenting a City Tile to the former Traffic and Transportation Commissioner Ted Carrera, in recognition of his excellent services rendered to the City. Retiring Council member Jack Tanaka was also recognized for his hard work over the past 10 years on the Council. Tanaka was honored not only by the Council, but also by several others, including State Assemblywoman Ling Ling Chang and several representatives from the City Councils of several different Cities. Tanaka himself stated that it was “a privilege and an honor” to serve the residents of Diamond Bar.

Following the several recognitions for Tanaka, the City Manager reports and comments were discussed where James DeStefano thanked the patience of Diamond Bar residents and business owners concerning the construction on Grand Avenue over the past several weekends.

During the public comments, a representative from Diamond Bar Youth for Action and Stop At Hunger announced Stop At Hunger’s third annual holiday food drive, beginning on Nov. 17 and ending on Dec. 17. Residents are encouraged to bring nonperishable goods to the Diamond Bar Center, Diamond Bar City Hall, Diamond Bar Library, and Heritage Park Community Center. A representative from the Diamond Bar Public Library announced several upcoming events, including Michael Rayner’s Comedy and Juggling Show on Nov. 19, from 4 to 4:45 p.m.; a Girl’s Only Party on Nov. 21 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.; Baby and Toddler Storytime on Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and a fun parents and children workshop on Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Concluding the public comments was a representative from Waste Management, who presented the City a check rewarding the City for paint recycling.

After public comments were closed, the schedule of future of events was read, which included the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.; the Planning Commission meeting on Nov. 24 at 7 p.m.; on Nov. 26-27, City Offices will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving, and will reopen on Nov. 30; from Nov. 27-Jan. 1, Holiday Diamond Ride will be operational, and will shuttle residents 18 years or older to and from the Diamond Bar Shopping Centers; the next City Council meeting is on Dec. 1 at 6:30; the Candy Cane Craft Fair will be on Dec. 5, starting at 9 a.m. at 21810 Copley Dr.; the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.; and the last City Council meeting of the year will occur on Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar including minutes from the Nov. 3 City Council meeting; minutes from the Oct. 13 Planning Commission meeting; ratification of a check register totalling $1,523,335.31; transmittal of comprehensive annual financial report for the year ended June 30, 2015; and a resolution approving the application for grant funds from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District for the fourth supervisorial district 1996 Safe Neighborhood Parks Proposition funding for Stardust Mini Park ADA retrofit and approving the adoption of a Youth Employment Plan.

Following a public hearing, the Council adopted a resolution confirming a cost report for nuisance abatement costs concerning 783 Bowcreek Drive and establishing a special assessment and lien thereof.

After Council reports and comments, the Council adjourned with plans to meet again on Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at 21810 Copley Dr.